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Dry January is a challenge to kick off the first month of the new year away from alcohol. 

The behavior-changing trend has been around since 2012, and depending on how much you used to drink before, studies have shown improvement in overall health within these first four weeks of the year if you join the challenge. You can find more information about Dry January at https://alcoholchange.org.uk/blog/benefits-of-dry-january-and-when-you-can-expect-to-see-them

Interested in joining but still want to hold a cool drink in your hand? Here is a collection of bars and restaurants in the area where you can enjoy Dryuary (Dry-January) at spots serving special hand-crafted mocktails (Yes, mock-cocktails!) that are fun to sip on your nights out. 

Berwyn

Autre Monde Café

Enjoy a Mediterranean fusion experience dining in Autre Monde! Their mocktail menu won’t let you miss out on the fun. Try Virgin Blood Orange Gimlet, Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic, and Non-Alcoholic Spritz. 

Fitzgerald’s

The old standby offers three spirit-free cocktails on its menu that include intriguing ingredients such as Gojuchang shrub and turmeric.

Broadview

The View Restaurant

There is a thing for everyone in this restaurant. As you’re skimming their vast menu, make sure to pass by their mocktails section. Take It Easy, and Bad Sisters are among their mocktail collection.   

Forest Park

Shanahan’s

Shanahan’s has the most impressive list of Non-alcoholic beverages that fits all tastes. Shanahan’s offers N/A wine, Beer (including big names like Guinness, Athletic Lite, Blue Moon), and an impressive list of Mocktails, so make sure you try Hurricane and Hot Toddy once you’re in. 

Robert’s West Side

The live music venue and neighborhood bar is offering Spicy NA margarita, Speakeasy. Another drink is called Safe Travels, made of lemon juice, ginger beer, hibiscus, and simple grenadine juice made in the house. This winter Robert’s West Side is offering Hot cocoa 

Garfield Park, Chicago

Garfield Park Conservatory

O.k. we concede that you can’t drink here. But if you need something fun to do, the conservatory is the place to be. It’s one of the largest botanical conservatories in the world, and has something for the kids (who wouldn’t be drinking anyway) and you, even in the winter.

Humboldt Park, Chicago

Bendición Bottle Shop

The shop is one of the city’s first intentional sober social community spaces — all of its offerings are nonalcoholic or dealcoholized. Whether you’re sober or sober curious, you’ll find something to wet your whistle here: beer, wine, spirits, seltzers. It’s an online shop, but local pickup may be available.

LaGrange

Kama Bistro

This Indian cuisine gem is neighboring Brookfield located at the heart of LaGrange. Enjoy a traditional Mango Lassi, or go wild with the Golden Elixir (fancy name here,) made of fresh ginger and turmeric roots and sweetened with agave and a hint of mint and lemon. You can also try Berry Burlesque, Guava Cloud 9, Dragon Blossom and many more options on their menu. 

Oak Park

Maya Del Sol

This vibrant restaurant offers delicious mocktail creations with a Latin flair that will keep your Dry January exciting. Check menu spirit free 

Courageous Bakery Café

Coffee Lovers in Oak Park are no strangers to this bright spot on Lake Street. Courageous Bakery Café. Courageous has a great selection of hand-crafted lattes 

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